The team on Epsom Hospital’s dedicated respiratory ward, which cares for people with a range of conditions related to breathing, have raised a massive £13,000 with a fundraising fancy dress walk covering 20 miles.

The 26-strong team from Gloucester Ward walked the whole distance from London Bridge back to Epsom Hospital, and to make the walk more challenging had to do a number of fun challenges along the way, as chosen by those who sponsored them. These ranged from trying to spell out words with their bodies, finding interesting healthcare-related signs on the route to doing press-ups and headstands in public.

Naomi Stuart, Gloucester Ward Manager, said, “It was amazing to see so many staff get involved in our sponsored walk. We wanted to raise money for our fantastic ward in a way that kept us, and those who sponsored us, entertained. Everyone involved truly took this to heart, making the 20 miles a wholly enjoyable experience.

“Our goal was to raise £5,000 but with the help of all of our staff involved and everyone who sponsored us we have raised a whopping £6,500! What’s more, the Trust has agreed to match the funds raised, so we now have a massive £13,000 to spend on equipment for the ward, which will make a huge difference to the patients in our care. We would like to thank everyone who donated, I am incredibly proud of everyone who took part.”

Daniel Elkeles, Chief Executive said, “Everyone who took part in this fantastic event should be very proud of themselves. With an already not-so-easy target of £5,000 they managed to excel themselves. It is members of staff like this who go above and beyond for the sake of our patients and our hospitals that makes me so incredibly proud to be the Chief Executive of Epsom and St Helier hospitals.”

To find out more about how you can fundraise for Epsom and St Helier hospitals, or if you would like support in arranging or promoting a charity event for our hospitals, please email esth.fundraising@nhs.net or call 01372 735 735.